A Genetic Cause for Some With Gender Issues

The reason why people feel that they were born in the wrong body in regard to being male or female is motivational. It can be genetic or cultural in nature. It is complicated. Like homosexuality there could be social reasons why this path is chosen. It could be enculturation as a child. On the other hand, individuals just have the feeling that behaving in such a way is natural for them.

Scientists have found that some people have an identification problem due to a genetic "condition". It is unfortunate that it has been called a disorder. An emotive argument is not needed. It has been given a name: craniosynostosis. The FGFR2 gene is mutated and causes sex reversal in the XY chromosomes.

About two per cent of the general population is born with a gender issue. This can have physical consequences such as endocrine complications, infertility or gonadal cancer. A baby born this way faces multiple surgeries. It should be noted, however, that people with a genetic cause for intersexuality number only 30 per cent of total "sufferers". Having an individual register with community-based support bodies is claimed to be beneficial, but this is unproven.